Exactly When to Bring Patio Furniture Inside for Winter—and How to Store It Properly

Before the winter weather lays waste to your beautiful patio furniture, make sure to bring it indoors so that you can enjoy it for many years ahead. This doesn’t just apply to areas affected by heavy snow, ice, or winter storms. Even in warmer climates, the elements can do significant damage to outdoor furniture if not properly stored. 

"The fact is that winter conditions deteriorate patio furniture more quickly than most individuals imagine," says Richie David, CEO and president of Totally Home Furniture. "Wood absorbs moisture, metal contracts when the weather turns cooler, and fabrics get stiff when the temperature falls in the mid-thirties range."

Where you live informs when and how you should store your patio furniture. Here's when you should begin to bring in your outdoor pieces, depending on your location, so it's ready for entertaining come springtime.

When to Bring Your Patio Furniture Inside

Where you live is a major factor in deciding when to bring your patio furniture indoors. But whatever your geographical location, protection is always recommended when the weather changes. "No matter where you’re located, think about the three main weather factors that can damage your outdoor furniture," explains furniture craftsman Elvin Zimmerman, "night temperatures, storm patterns, and whatever the 'turning point’ in your area’s cold season is."

Follow these guidelines to find out the best timing for you and your furniture.

Upper Midwest and Northern New England 

For colder, snowy climates (the upper Midwest, northern New England, and into Canada), Zimmerman recommends bringing your patio furniture indoors in the window between late September to mid-October. "Once night temperatures dip into the 30s, and you get first frost warnings," he pinpoints. "You want to be sure to beat the first wet snow so that your furniture can be completely cleaned and dry for the winter."

Mid-Atlantic and Central States

In mid-Atlantic and central states, such as New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia, Zimmerman recommends pulling your patio furniture into safe and secure locations around the same time that you do your big leaf clean-ups. This will generally be around mid-October to early November. “Once the long, cold rain starts, you’re running out of drying time,” he notes.

Florida and The Gulf Coast

Even warm climates are not immune to patio furniture damage during the winter months. “For Florida and the Gulf coast, make sure you’re keeping an eye on the forecast and taking care of your outdoor living area before or during peak hurricane season,” says Zimmerman. “Wind is the threat here,” he cautions.

Be sure to bring your furniture inside if there is a named storm approaching or predictions of a strong coastal storm, moving them back outside after long rain streaks have passed.

Southern States

Southern states, such as Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Texas, and Tennessee, tend to have mild winters. In this region, "you're probably not at risk for frost until December or whenever cold and consistent rain begins in your area," says Zimmerman.

While deep cold in these states is uncommon, long stretches of damp weather can still harm wood and fabrics, so it is important to shelter your furniture before and during heavy rains, or the occasional freeze or snow. "Wooden furniture is the exception to the rule and should be covered with protective covers or moved inside during sub-freezing temps–even in the south," adds Scallions.

High Desert and Mountain Regions

When it comes to bringing in your patio furniture in high desert and mountain regions, late September and early October is generally recommended, "especially for high elevations," notes Zimmerman, "although maybe a little later for valleys."

He explains that night freezes combined with strong sun during the day can create a dangerous freeze-thaw cycle that's damaging to patio furniture.

West Coast 

“Folks in the arid states are in the best position during the winter,” says Scallions. “Dry conditions and generally warmer temps are not as much of a threat to the product.”

However, be sure to protect outdoor furniture during heavy rainfall—usually starting in November—and during low temperatures (especially in the southwest desert).

Expert Tips For Storing Your Patio Furniture

Now that you have the date marked in your calendar, heed these expert tips for storing patio furniture to keep it in pristine condition.

• Before storing your furniture for any extended period of time, it should be properly cleaned and allowed to dry completely. “Dish soap, a scrub brush, and some elbow grease go a long way on just about every material and will do a good job at getting the pollen, dirt, and debris out of the fabrics and surfaces,” says Scallions. For woods like cedar, aspen, or pine, avoid aggressive washing or power washers.
• Attend to repairs as you put furniture away for the season. For wood pieces, add a fresh coat of exterior finish or sealer and let it dry before storing. "Tighten loose screws, touch up paint, or spot sand and reseal any exposed wood," says Zimmerman. (You'll be glad you did come spring.)
• Piling your pieces with cushions between touch points will prevent pressure marks during periods of extended storage.
• Inspect your storage location thoroughly. David recommends storing furniture pieces where they are (and will remain) elevated, ventilated, and dry. "Keep legs up off concrete because concrete draws moisture up, and place cushions in breathable bags to ensure the foam remains firm during the winter."
• Never store your furniture pieces upside down, warns Scallions. "When they are upside down, water creeps into the drain holes and then freezes, often causing the aluminum extrusions to burst or joints of the wood to break."
• If you’re unable to bring all of your furniture inside, move the remaining pieces against a solid wall to help block the wind and drifting snow, advises Zimmerman. Use furniture covers with tie-downs and vents to prevent damage.